I’m in the mood for…

… tea!

It’s time for the first discussion point  in the Hot Tea Month Blog-a-thon. 

But first, I have to note that yesterday was Ruth‘s – our tea hostess – own blogiversary.  How fitting that a lady of tea began her blogging career during Hot Tea Month, no?

So… the topic.

Week One: January 3rd-9th“Tea as a mood lifter: How does tea improve your day? What is your favorite time for a nice, hot cuppa?”

Oh goodness… there is no easy answer.  Tea improves my day in so many different ways.   Just the very ritual of making tea – the water has to be the right temperature, which cup, mug and/or teapot suits the purpose?, and the waiting on that perfect brewing time – soothes me.

Then, there are the memories.  Just about every flavor of tea has a memory associated with it, be it a gift from a friend, or a tradition from some cuppa’ shared long ago…

From a Woolgirl Embrace the Lace shipment

Not to mention that so many of my cups and mugs were also gifts…

Aladdin built-in brew basket travel mug

As for the perfect time, well, any time is the right time for tea!  I do tend to like a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, but for instance yesterday, I craved a nice strong, English Breakfast tea instead.  I tend to move through the tea spectrum as the day goes on, with black teas earlier in the day, then greens, then after dark, whites or herbals. 

(We are just talkin’ hot tea here.  Being a good Southern gal, iced tea – not to be confused with the sweet tea the Knight favors – is good for every waking moment in the warmer months.)

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to go brew a pot of something fragrant and happy!